There are many reasons for wanting to stay in Thorpe Park’s Shark Hotel which is conveniently situated inside the park. Whether it is because you want somewhere to crash without having to leave – making the very most of a two-day stay; because you have stayed really late (such as on Thorpe Park’s Ministry of Sound nights – not suitable for families) – or because you want somewhere to store your belongings and somewhere to get changed when you get soaked on Tidal Wave; or simply to treat the family to a special night away!
My family and I are Thorpe Park Ambassadors and part of this role included an overnight stay at The Shark Hotel. We combined this with a VIP Coaster Climb – because these take place after the park has closed. It made sense as only two of us were to do the climb and The Shark Hotel gave the rest of the family somewhere to chill whilst they waited for us. This was especially good for our son who has Sensory Processing Disorder. He was fine throughout the day but it would have also given him a perfect quiet place to go if the park had become too overwhelming for him.
Things I wish I had known before staying in Thorpe Park Resorts Shark Hotel
Check-in is from 3pm. We were told to take our bags through security and go straight to the hotel. This is not the case. Luckily one of our rooms was ready and we were able to leave the bags.
Bitesize Accommodation – I was already aware that the rooms were on the small side – with them literally taking up as little space as possible (probably to help keep the cost down). Each room has a double bed, a bunk bed (with the top bunk having not a lot of room so don’t expect to sit up and read a book); a desk with drawers and small hanging space, and bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. There’s good reason that these rooms are not suitable for Ministry of Sound because they are not very sound proof. It wasn’t very pleasant to hear people running backwards and forwards with their suitcases early the next morning. Towels, bedding and toiletries are provided – as is a hairdryer on request. The shower runs straight on to the floor but was warm and powerful enough. The beds were comfy with a selection of pillows to choose from. There are a variety of lights and a television (complete with Angry Birds game) to keep everyone entertained. The doors work with key cards (we received one per room) and there is only one window which is covered with a removable circle which lets people know if you are screaming or dreaming!
After Park Closing – You are not allowed in the park after it has closed apart from to Fin’s Bar and Grill (where kids eat free between 5-6:30pm) which is open until 11pm. We had reasonable priced and enjoyable meals before our VIP Coaster Climb and afterwards it gave us the wonderful opportunity to watch the Sunset over the Resort and enjoy a drink. There was also a big TV on with Derren Brown and some giant indoor games to play in The Dome.
Breakfast starts at 7:30am. We thought that you couldn’t have breakfast until 9:30am but these signs are for the rest of the customers as that’s when they can enter the park. In fact we were also unaware that you could have breakfast delivered in bed (again handy if you’ve been up until 3am at The Ministry of Sound!)
FREE Fasttrack hours 9-11am. Not all rides are open before 11am so it is best to find out which ones they are and plan in advanced so you can get the most of your time. You may be interested in the post Thorpe Park Resort for Little Ones – to plan by height which rides everyone can do. Also note that because it is so early some of the normal queues are shorter than the Fasttrack.
What was included with our stay – we received an overnight kit (which included two drinks cups filled with sweets and 2 Ride Themed Teddies), bottles of water and teas/coffees, unlimited free WiFi in the hotel, towels, breakfast, fast-track hours, free parking and a second day in the park free.
Prices start from £29 pp – based on 4 people sharing, during term time Sunday-Thursday.
We received a free stay at Thorpe Park Resort’s Shark Hotel as part of our Ambassador programme. All words and opinions are honest and my own.
Wow, It’s even smaller than a pod hotel! The view from the balcony looks nice but it’s a shame the hotel itself looks like a shipping container. You don’t sound like you were very impressed with it. Better than driving home the same day though. Gotta love Thorpe park! X
Wow that looks different. I’ve never been to Thorpe Park, but this looks fun x